Sometimes you hear people say something like, “Smartphones are the cause of…” and then they mention something dire.
Smartphones are the cause of mental health problems.
Smartphones are the cause of the disconnection so many people feel.
Smartphones are the cause of our ever-shortening attention spans.
When someone talks like that, they are using the general term “smartphones” as a stand-in for something more specific. Often, but not always, that more specific thing is social media.
To be honest, we think some of those concerns about social media and other aspects of living life tethered to your phone are valid—and we certainly believe there are healthier and more helpful hobbies than scrolling on your phone. But we also think that you can use your phone in positive ways to support your ongoing recovery from a substance use disorder.
In just the same way you can use a hammer to build something or to smash something, you can use your phone to lift you up rather than to knock you down.
Before we jump in, a quick disclaimer: We are not endorsing any of the following apps. Rather, we are suggesting some options for you to explore and consider. The most important question you might ask yourself about any app you add to your phone is whether it is likely to have a positive or a negative effect on your recovery efforts—and the answer will be different for different people.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some apps that can be useful in recovery.
Apps to Support Your Physical Health
We have written frequently about the important role your physical health plays in your recovery efforts. With that in mind, we offer a few suggestions for apps that can help you work toward your goals when it comes to maintaining your physical well-being.
- FitOn: This app offers a whole range of workouts of varying types and intensity guided by instructors (including some celebrity guides)—and it is free. Because there is no cost to get started, this app might be a wonderful place to try different options as you search for a kind of exercise you enjoy and can stick with. The app also includes other wellness content.
- Nike Training Club (NTC): Some of the content in Nike’s app appears similar to what you might find in FitOn—including a significant array of options. We will note that Nike is in the business of selling you footwear and more, so proceed with your eyes open.
- Samsung Health: If you are a Samsung user, you may well already have a quality physical health app on your phone. Samsung Health tracks your steps and allows you to enter other workout data. You can use it to keep track of calories and sleep statistics and more. Sometimes, a simple reminder that you haven’t taken many steps today can be a good motivator.
Apps to Support Your Mental and Emotional Health
- Happyfeed (becoming Orca): Happyfeed—which may be known as Orca by the time you read this—is fundamentally an app for gratitude journaling. Users enter three things they are grateful for each day. The app lets you look back on memories, add pictures to your entries, and more.
- Cope Notes: This app sends you short, encouraging messages throughout the day—a way to introduce affirmations into your life even if your self-talk does not tend to be so encouraging.
- Moodfit: The Moodfit app can help you track a whole bunch of things that have an impact on your mental health including (as the name suggests) your mood. You can set up custom metrics and track your progress over time.
- BetterSleep: An app for better sleep could just as easily appeared in the physical health section of this post because sleep underpins your overall well-being. BetterSleep includes breathing exercises, guided meditation, soundscapes, and bedtime stories that can help you get more—and more restful—sleep.
More App Suggestions Next Time Out
In our next entry, we’ll consider some apps that can help you keep your finances in order and others that can support your relationship and overall social health. Keeping money worries to a minimum and building strong, supportive relationships are two important things you can do to support your recovery.
We Are Ready to Apply Our Expertise to Help You
At The Farley Center, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, we help those who are struggling with a substance use disorder. Getting free from drugs or alcohol can be devilishly difficult on your own, so high-quality treatment—like the treatment on offer at The Farley Center—is the best option for reclaiming and rebuilding your life.
Whether you choose inpatient, outpatient, or virtual treatment options, you can be assured that you will receive exceptional, evidence-based treatment that is personalized to your specific needs. We take pride in our expertise and experience—and we are committed to a spirit of empathy that ensures you will never feel judged at The Farley Center.
Ready to make a change? We are ready to help.
